American and Hyatt to End Partnership

When American and Hyatt originally announced their partnership, I was excited to see the potential crossover.  The ability to earn in both programs was a nice addition.  However, this partnership is now ending:

To our valued AAdvantage® members: As we continue to build relationships that enhance the value of your AAdvantage® membership and reflect American’s commitment to our customers, we wanted you to be among the first to know that, after careful consideration, we have mutually decided to not continue our enhanced relationship in the coming months. Throughout this transition, we’re committed to preserving the benefits members of both programs can earn through the current status qualification year. If your AAdvantage® and World of Hyatt accounts are linked, no further action is required. If you haven’t already, be sure to link your loyalty accounts no later than Nov. 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT. With this update, here’s what you can expect as an AAdvantage® member: You have until Feb. 28, 2027, to earn World of Hyatt rewards and can choose them as Loyalty Point Rewards through March 31, 2027. You’ll keep World of Hyatt status benefits through Feb. 29, 2028, if you selected them as a Loyalty Point Reward option for the 2026-2027 AAdvantage® program year. You can continue to earn miles on hotel stays with Hyatt in lieu of World of Hyatt points when you add your AAdvantage® number at check-in.

JetBlue Selected to Continue EAS Service at PQI

The Department of Transportation has selected JetBlue to continue Essential Air Service to PQI Airport in Northern Maine.

Link: https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOT-OST-2000-8012-0371

Both American and JetBlue had submitted bids for the service; at the initial filing Jetblue's package was several million dollars more.  However, they were allowed to resubmit a proposal on June 2nd which turned out to be much less and comparable to AA's (revision).   By my initial search it doesn't appear that any media outlets reported this change.

The impression of favoritism set aside, it's disappointing that AA's bid wasn't taken more seriously given it would have increased flight frequencies to 12 a week from what will stay at 7.  While there has been a lot of passion in the local community for JetBlue, a more rational analysis would have been preferred.

End of OneWorld Sapphire Status

Back in October 2025 I wrote about an opportunity to confirm OneWorld Sapphire status with Royal Jordanian as a Gold Sparrow - this has been very helpful over the last months whenever I fly American Airlines as it gets me access to AA Flagship Lounges.  The lounge at O'hare has been a favorite stop!

Unfortunately my access and status ends this week.  It's been a good run and I'll miss the stopovers!

United in the news

I'm always watching for relevant airline updates and the past bunch of days were significant for United:

-Scott Kirby alludes to a merger with American Airlines

-United possibly rolls out free Wifi across their fleet, then clarifies it's not free! (via Live and Let's Fly)

-Will Jetblue merge with United (or other airlines)?

Many of these would have impacts for travelers!

Royal Jordanian Status Match...Success?

A little over a week ago, I was perusing my normal travel writers and read a post from One Mile At A Time about a status match opportunity on Royal Jordanian.  Normally I wouldn't consider something like this since I don't typically fly RJ, but a primary benefit of the status match was the ability to get OneWorld Sapphire status for at least a year.  That status allows you to access American Airlines Admiral's Clubs when flying economy on any AA flight domestically (which I have to do when I fly home).  The cost was modest ($149) and so I decided I would apply - after a brief exchange to confirm my other airline status, I was approved!  

I attempted to access an AA lounge this weekend at O'hare during my trip home and the agent was able to confirm it - success!  I'm looking forward to this club access for the other flights I'll have on OneWorld airlines through next year. 

Gate Changes at Ohare October 1st

In case you haven't seen the prior news, Crankyflier and others reported that gate changes will likely be occurring at Ohare starting October 1st, 2025.

A link and map here: https://crankyflier.com/2025/06/03/united-officially-gets-its-gates-at-ohare-but-the-fight-isnt-over/

I'm curious how this will affect some travelers who need to make gate changes between AA and UA for some destinations (like myself!).

Mid-Year 2025 Travel Check

Relatively high fares and inflation continue to impact travel for most people (including me!).  I feel as though my searching has increased these last months in order to find the best deals.  

American

I still have Gold status and there's an outside chance I'll be able to get it again through a status match.  AA is still the only way to get home to the farm easily.

United

United is my first choice for flights though due to program changes I expect to only have Gold status next year.  I do miss having 1K!  For whatever reason I've seen more upgrades in the last months than most of last year.  I still use the Club Card for lounge stays.  I'm also on the threshold of 1M miles on United and expect to get it just after the new year! 

Hyatt

I was able to requalify for Globalist this year and will have the status until 2027 - this will be extremely helpful for a possible return trip to the Maldives in 2026.  Where possible we still make Hyatt our first choice for stays.   

I hope many of you are able to travel during the last part of the year!

New AA Promo: Ready, Set, Jet toward Status

I'm always interested in how travel partners create promotions, and was surprised to receive an email from American Airlines about a specific Promo for the month of March.

For a limited time, earn 500 additional Loyalty Points for each flight you take in March 2025.

American has been notoriously stingy about how to earn miles/loyalty points.  Flying and use of their co-branded credit cards are the best way to earn (with the shopping portal and dining programs being other possibilities).  

Will you be maximizing this promotion for upcoming travel?

Cards in My Wallet Right Now (2025)

Happy New Year!  My card list has changed a little this past year while my spending overall has stayed even.  I retired the Hilton Surpass and AA Biz Platinum while picking up the regular AA Platinum.  I'm still using the United Club card for lounge access and extra miles for purchases.  I have referral codes for most cards if needed! 

Cards in my Wallet:

Chase Sapphire Reserve - one of the best earning cards with 3x points for travel and 3x for dining; No Foreign Transaction Fee

Chase Freedom - Quarterly bonus categories give 5x points and pairs with Sapphire

Chase World of Hyatt - 4x Hyatt points per stay make this one of the best for hotel stays, 2x for restaurant/transit; No Foreign Transaction Fee

Chase IHG Rewards Club Select (no longer available) - Platinum Elite status plus free night every cardmember year

Chase United Club Infinite - 4x miles on United, 2x miles on other travel, 2x on dining, United Club membership

Chase Biz Plus (replaced with Business Preferred) - 5x points at office supply and phone, 2x on gas station and hotel; No Foreign Transaction Fee

Chase Biz Cash - 5x points at office supply and phone, 2x points on gas stations and restaurants

Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless - 6x points at Marriott properties; 3x Gas/Grocery/Dining up to $6k, 1 Elite Night credit per $5k spent; 2x points on other purchases; No Foreign Transaction Fee

Chase British Airways - 3x Avios on BA purchases; 2x on hotels; No Foreign Transaction Fee

Citibank Premier - 3x points on travel including gas stations and grocery; 2x on dining/entertainment, No Foreign Transaction Fee

Citibank AA Platinum - 2x American Airlines miles on purchases plus free checked bag and priority boarding; 2x on gas stations, No Foreign Transaction Fee

Citibank AA Mileup - 2x American Airlines miles on flights, plus 2x miles for grocery purchases, No Annual Fee

Citibank Double Cash - 2% cash back on all purchases, though the transfer option to Citi ThankYou Points makes this card strong for all non-category spend, No Annual Fee

American Express Hilton card - 7x Hilton points on stays, 5x points dining/gas/grocery, 3x all other purchases, complimentary Silver status, No Annual Fee, No Foreign Transaction Fee

Discover It card - 5x points/cash on quarterly bonus categories, link to Amazon.com purchases, No Annual Fee

Bank of American Alaska Airlines card - 3x miles on Alaska purchases, $99 companion fare

Thanksgiving 2024: Doha

We were off again on another Thanksgiving trip flying back to Doha!

There are a number of options to fly to Doha, however, Star Alliance does not have easy direct flights.  In order to maximize miles and points, we chose to fly through Newark on the direct United flight to Dubai (United miles) and transfer to a Qatar Airways flight (AA miles).  We still arrived in the evening the next day which helped with the time shift.  For our stay we chose to try a new Hyatt property - the Park Hyatt Doha.  The room and amenities were excellent including the breakfast which was part of our stay being a Globalist.  Airport transfers are straightforward via Karwa taxi which can be reserved from the Uber app if preferred. 

Our food choices included the following:

Sunday Dinner w/Justin and Christy: Damasca One (fantastic Syrian cuisine)

Monday Dinner: Morimoto Doha (sushi and Japanese offerings)

Tuesday Dinner: Sora Rooftop at the PH Doha

Highlights for this portion of the week included walking to Souq Waqif multiple times, dinner north of West Bay, visiting the Museum of Islamic Art, and meeting up with Justin and Christy for dinner.  The weather was warm and perfect for plenty of walking.

It was great to be back and enjoy the city along with seeing friends and trying new restaurants.  We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

AA and Citi Expanding Partnership

Big news has been shared by American Airlines - starting in 2026, Citi will be the exclusive issuer for AA credit cards.  The press release is here:

https://news.aa.com/news/news-details/2024/AMERICAN-AIRLINES-AND-CITI-EXTEND-AND-EXPAND-CO-BRANDED-CARD-PARTNERSHIP-PAVING-THE-WAY-FOR-MORE-CUSTOMER-BENEFITS-AADV-12/

This is potentially huge news if the exclusive partnership includes participation by AA in the ThankYou Rewards program!

Mid-Year 2024 Travel Check

Travel continues to be significant for many this year - planes are full despite high inflation and fares.  I'm curious how long this trend will continue.  United just advised this week they expect seat loads to decline next month.  My pattern has completely changed this year and am no longer flying each week. 

American

I still have Gold status and expect this will end next year.  I'm still flying AA to get home when possible.  

United

United is my first choice for flights though with decreased flying per week it's unlikely that I'll make 1K next year.  Upgrades are still limited but I've had a few more CPU's clear over the last few months.  I still use the Club Card which helps during longer layovers.  I'm thrilled to be nearing 1M miles on United and hope to time the milestone with an overseas segment. 

Hyatt

This year will likely be my last as a Globalist unless there are particular promotions that work for my planned travel.  I'm still finding excellent point deals for our primary locations and hope there won't be many property changes this year.  

Hilton

I no longer have Diamond status and will likely have Gold until the end of the year.  My stays at Hilton have mostly stopped outside of point redemptions.  I've also reduced my credit card count and will likely prioritize Hyatt stays for the time being. 

What are your travel plans this year?  

Trip Recap: Brussels and Maldives

We just recently returned from an amazing vacation trip to Brussels and the Maldives!  Overall we didn't experience any flight challenges and had a very positive experience flying United, TAP Portugal, and Qatar Airways.

As a reminder, this was our primary initial routing:

BOS-IAD:

Very smooth flight with no issues - we stopped in at the United Lounge before departure and enjoyed some snacks.

IAD-BRU (which turned out to be IAD-LIS-BRU!):

We made it the gate after a brief lounge visit, and heard the agent asking for volunteers since the flight was oversold by 6.  This is the most I've ever heard for an international flight!  They were offering $1000 and rerouting either that night or the next day.  Initially this seemed too low so we didn't jump. However, after a second call I went to the desk and offered to help though noted the amount seemed too low.  The agent was able to increase the voucher amount and route us from Dulles to Lisbon and then on to Brussels that same evening.  Perfect!  We now had vouchers as well as a routing that wouldn't make us late for Sunday.  We went back to the Polaris lounge for a bit and then on to the later flight.  Arriving to Lisbon we went through security, passport check, and then visited the TAP lounge which was very crowded.  After a brief breakfast we walked to the gate and onward via a TAP Portugal flight (new airline!).  Arrival at Brussels was easy with a quick walk to the train which looped us downtown quickly.  

We had the evening in Brussels and once checked in to the Hilton Grand Place walked and had dinner at Mokafe.  I had visited this restaurant during my trip to ILA and it was great to stop again - the service and food were excellent.  We also walked to the main square and tried some waffle!

BRU-DOH-MLE:

The next morning after breakfast we zipped back to Brussels Airport via train, checked in with Qatar Airways, then off to the lounge for lunch before departure.  We used miles to fly Business Class to Doha and it was a very smooth flight that had amazing food/drink choices.

Arriving at Doha we had quite a walk to get to our gate though did stop and see the Orchard.  Once onboard we found our seats and I tried to sleep. Unfortunately I had an issue occur with the individual sitting behind me who decided to kick my seat forward twice while I was sleeping since apparently there wasn't room to eat.  Even though I had a right to recline, the individual kept doing this and so I ended up with poor sleep for the entire segment.

At the Park Hyatt Maldives:

Our typical transfer process went quickly (lounge/flight/boat) and soon we were onsite and could relax!

MLE-DOH-BRU-EWR-BOS:

Leaving is always the most difficult thing to do.  We ran to late brunch and then off on our standard boat ride followed by flight from Koodhoo to Male.  In Male we had a bit of a wait though soon we were off on a fairly full flight to Doha.  Arriving Doha we quickly went through security again and then visited the Business Lounge before walking again to our C gate.  We had Business Class again using miles back to Brussels so it was time to sleep!  

Arriving Brussels was fast with a quick visit to security and then off to our gate.  We were not able to visit any lounges since access is restricted to Business class only (no *A or Gold possible).  Boarding was completed quickly and we were off to Newark.  We were able to get quite a bit of work done on the flight and kudos to United for another smooth flight.  No delay for Global Entry this time and we stopped by the United Club before departing to Boston.

Recap:

It was an amazing trip.  We had multiple segments though didn't have any delays or issues on transfer.  Using points and miles was really helpful and we hope to get back to the Maldives soon!

Next Travel Adventure: Maldives!

Yes, you read that correctly!  I'm on a days countdown now until departure for Maldives via Brussels.  Looking forward to being back in the air internationally and also stopping over in a new city for HBB.  Here's how the journey will look from Gcmap.com:

Once again this type of itinerary is not possible without the use of points and miles.  The breakdown:

Park Hyatt Maldives (4 nights): 120,000 Hyatt points 

With Globalist status, our breakfasts will be free and we typically treat it as brunch so dinner ends up being the only expense.

BRU-DOH-MLE plus return: 170,000 American Miles for two people with Qatar Airways QSuites included BRU-MLE and regular Business on the return.  

Our overnight in Brussels at the Hilton Grand Place was a cheap rate so no need to use points for that.  

Since this is likely my last year of having Hyatt Globalist status, we need to take advantage of the extra perks (food plus room upgrades).  Should be a fun and relaxing trip!

AA Enhances Service to LSE

Good news this week for flyers to LSE!  From social media:

We're excited to announce that coming in April, American Airlines will add an additional flight each day. Then, in May, they will have larger aircraft (E170/175) for two of the three flights each day! This will provide additional connectivity for our passengers as well as more seats in our market. It is an important step in our air service efforts to prove the Coulee Region's demand for travel!

As we continue to pursue more routes and airlines, please consider clicking the link below and tell us where you'd like to go. The information we get from you will help us razor target specific destinations and carriers. Let's get moving!

I'm glad that AA is committing more seats to the Coulee region.  Now I wish United would restart service!

AA Takes a Step Back with Earning

I was pretty disappointed to receive an email update from American Airlines recently detailing an update on earning miles and Loyalty Points.  The banner reads they want to 'reward loyalty', however, the changes mean less opportunities to earn miles and points:

•   Book directly with American and our eligible partner airlines

•   Book travel anywhere as an AAdvantage BusinessTM member or contracted corporate traveler

•   Book through our preferred travel agencies

In other words, you may not be able to earn miles/points any longer when using sites like Orbitz and Kayak.  

Worst part, they don't even bother to say which are the preferred agencies!  (list promised end of April).

Terrible in my opinion.

How the Challenge resolved

My last post detailed how I had booked a backup option via United from SFO-PHX - I was very confident this would be a solid option to get me to Phoenix.  However, I was surprised when I received a text notification from United saying the flight had been cancelled due to the Max 9 issues.  The assigned plane wasn't a Max 9 though...maybe other network impacts caused the cancel?  In any event, the rebook was for the evening which wasn't going to work.  

After a check of options, I had no choice but to work through the cancels of these flights and rebook on a direct American option.  It wasn't my first choice but I was able to land later morning which gave me time back.  Lesson learned - always be prepared with other connect options!

Cards in My Wallet Right Now (2024)

Happy New Year!  I'm pleased that my overall spending pattern was about even throughout the year and I was also able to gain one new card given my frequent flights - the United Club card gives lounge access and was very helpful for my longer trips last year.  As always, if anyone is interested in referrals please let me know!

Cards in my Wallet:

Chase Sapphire Reserve - one of the best earning cards with 3x points for travel and 3x for dining; No Foreign Transaction Fee

Chase Freedom - Quarterly bonus categories give 5x points and pairs with Sapphire

Chase World of Hyatt - 4x Hyatt points per stay make this one of the best for hotel stays, 2x for restaurant/transit; No Foreign Transaction Fee

Chase IHG Rewards Club Select (no longer available) - Platinum Elite status plus free night every cardmember year

Chase United Mileage Plus Select (no longer available) - 3x miles on United purchases plus EQM, 2x gas/grocery/dining + Star Alliance purchases

Chase United Club Infinite - 4x miles on United, 2x miles on other travel, 2x on dining, United Club membership

Chase Biz Plus (replaced with Business Preferred) - 5x points at office supply and phone, 2x on gas station and hotel; No Foreign Transaction Fee

Chase Biz Cash - 5x points at office supply and phone, 2x points on gas stations and restaurants

Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless - 6x points at Marriott properties; 3x Gas/Grocery/Dining up to $6k, 1 Elite Night credit per $5k spent; 2x points on other purchases; No Foreign Transaction Fee

Chase British Airways - 3x Avios on BA purchases; 2x on hotels; No Foreign Transaction Fee

Citibank Premier - 3x points on travel including gas stations and grocery; 2x on dining/entertainment, No Foreign Transaction Fee

Citibank AA Biz Platinum - 2x American Airlines miles on purchases plus free checked bag and priority boarding; 2x on gas stations, No Foreign Transaction Fee

Citibank AA Mileup - 2x American Airlines miles on flights, plus 2x miles for grocery purchases, No Annual Fee

Citibank Double Cash - 2% cash back on all purchases, though the transfer option to Citi ThankYou Points makes this card strong for all non-category spend, No Annual Fee

American Express Hilton card - 7x Hilton points on stays, 5x points dining/gas/grocery, 3x all other purchases, complimentary Silver status, No Annual Fee, No Foreign Transaction Fee

American Express Hilton Surpass - 12x Hilton points on stays, 6x points on dining/grocery/gas, 3x points on all other purchases; complimentary Gold status, No Foreign Transaction Fee

Discover It card - 5x points/cash on quarterly bonus categories, link to Amazon.com purchases, No Annual Fee

Bank of American Alaska Airlines card - 3x miles on Alaska purchases, $99 companion fare


I still value many of these for the no annual fee and other free night perks. There's a good chance I'll consolidate several this year as my flight frequency has been reduced. 

Mid-Year 2023 Travel Check

Travel is back!  The airlines have returned most planes into service and flights are packed. Summer fares have been high again with many people opting to fly for vacations - the int'l airlines have even brought back the A380 into service after previously planning to retire them.  I've been flying each week through the first part of the year though that will be coming to an end as I start a new role on the east coast. 

American

I was offered a promo these past months with escalating status if you fly or meet certain point thresholds on American - the credit card helped for some points and I had a few flights home as well.  I ended up reaching Gold status for the rest of this year and next, which is perfect for the times I need to fly home.  

United

United is still my first choice for flights and I've re-qualified for 1K next year.  I've had limited upgrades out of SFO in the first part of the year - with my flight frequency declining for the rest of 2023, I'm hoping to utilize the status when I can for using pluspoints.  I acquired the Club Card a few months ago which has been useful for longer layovers and international flight staging. 

Hyatt

My weekly stays have exclusively focused on Hyatt, and I've already requal'd as Globalist for this year and next.  Point redemptions have changed a bit with the recent deval of Category 7/8 properties though I'm still finding excellent deals for the locations we typically visit.  Suite upgrades have also been successful this year at selected properties including the Park Hyatt Zurich. 

Hilton

I successfully re-qualified for Diamond status last year and was able to use it as a great rate alternative when needed.  Higher rates will mean that I won't reach Diamond status next year.    

Have you had any exciting travel plans this year?  

Kickoff of Holiday Travel?

Good morning!  I'm on my way back east and wanted to share a quick update.  It appears holiday travel has kicked off!  Lines at security for Terminal 2 SFO were significant though moving steadily.  If you're planning any travel this weekend or through the upcoming week, be sure to build in some extra time for bag checks and TSA.  PreCheck was busy though not as full as primary security.  

Safe travels to all!